#scratch tracks

90's cartoons Scratch Tracks fanny packs!

Last night we started laying down scratch tracks for the album. For most of this album, I'll be recording at night which is totally against my nature. While I have late gigs here and there, the concentration that recording takes is something I'll have to train my body to do that late. Sleeping during the day may be the way to go... If you have any pointers on getting rest during the day, let me know! My plan is to rest on studio days...but sometimes I find it hard to. Actually, when I'm excited, I find it hard to rest anytime of day!

And I'm suuuuuper excited about this album! :) Here are three reasons why:

1. I can take my time co-producing with my producer/engineer.  I'm in no rush to crank out these ten songs to get them to listeners. In the past, I was racing the clock (to save money) or trying to meet a release date. This time around, there are no hurries. We're going to take as long as it takes to make good music. It is my first album after all. :)

2. The content covers a lot of new ground for me. While it's a tad uncomfortable sharing the details of your life, this album does just that. I get to use word play to talk about a lot of things that are more in-depth and show my growth as a songwriter.

3. I know God is just as excited about this project as I am.  God is the Great Creator so I know He is just as invested in seeing this project through, and that's exciting. I get a really good sense of peace about the project that let's me know He's guiding it. I love that. 

Stay tuned. :)

Pre-Production

Step 4:  Record scratch tracks

Once you have a song list and tempos for your collection, it's time to start recording skeletons. This consists of a scratch vocal with a click track and one supporting instrument.   

If you are recording as a band or without a click track you'll want to just record a scratch vocal with your rhythm track.  

Recoding a scratch track is essential for multitrack recording. It becomes the lot upon which the song's foundation is built. 

It's at this stage that you can play around with foundational elements. Suppppse you have a good tempo, but you want to try a few different keys. Try them here. Try them all.

Although it's is a scratch performance, why not try to make it the best it can be?  Make sure your guitars and pianos are in tune.  Sing in key as best you can. I've always ended up using something from preproduction in a final recording.